small area games book - sport ngin

is an e-Learning company dedicated to improving the Youth Sports experience by effectivelyenhancing the environment in which young people participate in sports – by coaching thecoaches who interact with our youth. flexxCOACH provides unprecedented access to

coaching education curriculum; coaching tools, tips, drills and management tools that make managing your team easy!The flexxCOACH Practice Planner is a cutting edge, interactive Practice Planner that will assist coaches in designing

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is the National Governing Body for the sport of hockey in the United States. Its mission is to promotethe growth of hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all participants byencouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport.

To assist coaches, USA Hockey conducts clinics and produces training manuals and videos such asthis through the Coaching Education Program.

The USA Hockey Coaching Education Program is presented by Easton and Liberty Mutual.

USA HOCKEY SMALL AREACOMPETITIVE GAMESHandbook and CD

Copyright © 2009 USA Hockey

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by anymeans, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of USA Hockey,1775 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Compiled & Edited By: Dan Brennan, Mark Tabrum, Alison Raines and Dave FischerLayout & Cover Design: Dana Ausec

Cover Photos: Getty Images and Tom Kimmell PhotographyIllustrations: Mike Curti (G.A.S. Productions)

CD Production: flexxCOACH

ContentsINTRODUCTION

Preface ...................................................................................................................................................... vAcknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ vii

8-AND-UNDER (MITE) DRILLS ............................................................................................................ 1-12Freeze Tag ................................................................................................................................................ 3Forward/Backward Team Tag .............................................................................................................. 3Cops and Robbers .................................................................................................................................. 4Musical Pucks .......................................................................................................................................... 4Red Light, Green Light, Yellow Light, Blue Light .............................................................................. 5Torpedo Alley .......................................................................................................................................... 5Dodge Ball ................................................................................................................................................ 6Sharks and Minnows .............................................................................................................................. 6Star Wars .................................................................................................................................................. 7Three-Player Chariot Race .................................................................................................................... 7Chaos Drill ................................................................................................................................................ 8Stick Jump Agility Drill .......................................................................................................................... 9Stick Jump/Crossover Drill .................................................................................................................... 9My Drills ...................................................................................................................................... 10

10-AND-UNDER (SQUIRT) DRILLS...................................................................................................... 13-223-on-2 Transition Game.......................................................................................................................... 15Safehouse Drill ........................................................................................................................................ 15Coach’s Quarterback Drill .................................................................................................................... 162 Corner Drill .......................................................................................................................................... 16Back-to-Back Net Scrimmage................................................................................................................ 17Mulit-Puck Game .................................................................................................................................... 17Coach’s Call ............................................................................................................................................ 18Center Line Boundary Scrimmage ...................................................................................................... 18Tight Circle Game .................................................................................................................................. 19On the Dot 3-on-2 and 4-on-3.............................................................................................................. 19All-Time Quarterback Drill .................................................................................................................... 202-on-2 Support Single Support ............................................................................................................ 20My Drills ...................................................................................................................................... 21

12-AND-UNDER (PEE WEE) DRILLS .................................................................................................... 23-36Rebound Game ...................................................................................................................................... 25Crossover Relay Game .......................................................................................................................... 25Decision Maker ...................................................................................................................................... 261-on-1 Sweep The Porch........................................................................................................................ 26Cross-Ice Board Scrimmage.................................................................................................................. 27

Preface | iii

Baseball .................................................................................................................................................... 27Odd/Even Game .................................................................................................................................... 28Rover Transition Game .......................................................................................................................... 282-on-2/3-on-3 Corner Game ................................................................................................................ 292-on-1 Corner Drill .................................................................................................................................. 294 Corner Support Drill .......................................................................................................................... 30Between the Circles 3-on-2 .................................................................................................................. 30High/Low 2-on-2 Tip-Ins ........................................................................................................................ 311-on-1 Empty Net Game........................................................................................................................ 31Breakaway Relay Game ........................................................................................................................ 32Breakaway Build-Up Relay .................................................................................................................... 32Red Baron Game .................................................................................................................................... 332-on-1 Transition Game.......................................................................................................................... 33My Drills ...................................................................................................................................... 34

14-, 16-, 18-AND-UNDER (BANTAM/MIDGET) DRILLS .................................................................... 37-50Sideline Game ........................................................................................................................................ 394-on-2/4-on-3 Special Teams ................................................................................................................ 395-on-3 Player in the Middle .................................................................................................................. 403-on-3 Support Drill ................................................................................................................................ 40Mid-Zone 3-on-3/4-on-4 ........................................................................................................................ 412-on-2 Behind the Net Rover Game.................................................................................................... 413-on-2 Activate Game ............................................................................................................................ 424-on-3/5-on-4 Activate Special Teams Game .................................................................................... 424-on-2 Behind the Net............................................................................................................................ 43Progressive 4-on-4 .................................................................................................................................. 43Mid-Ice 4-on-3 Breakout ........................................................................................................................ 44Breakout Forecheck 3-on-2 .................................................................................................................. 44Town Carnival .......................................................................................................................................... 45Full-Ice Team Zone Scrimmage............................................................................................................ 464-on-4 Support Drill ................................................................................................................................ 461-on-1 Survivor Drill................................................................................................................................ 472-on-1 Relay.............................................................................................................................................. 47Ten Puck Relay ........................................................................................................................................ 48My Drills ...................................................................................................................................... 49

GOALTENDER DRILLS .......................................................................................................................... 51-62Three Pass to Slot Shot .......................................................................................................................... 53Board Bank Shots .................................................................................................................................... 53Three Puck Poke Check ........................................................................................................................ 54Stick Tap and Spin .................................................................................................................................. 54Back-to-Back 1-on-1 ................................................................................................................................ 55Beehive Game ........................................................................................................................................ 55Around the World Shooters.................................................................................................................. 56Behind the Net Puck Stop .................................................................................................................... 56Wrap-Around Beehive Game .............................................................................................................. 57Coach Tip-In Game ................................................................................................................................ 573-on-3 Reverse Net ................................................................................................................................ 58Two Nets – Two Shots............................................................................................................................ 58Rebound Goal Game ............................................................................................................................ 59Goaltender Tennis .................................................................................................................................. 59My Drills ...................................................................................................................................... 60

iv | USA Hockey Small Area Competitive Games

Introduction

The USA Hockey Small Area Competitive Games book and the flexxCOACH CD is designed tohelp coaches create drills that emulate game situations. Using small areas and short shifts,players are challenged to read and react quickly under pressure and by doing so they learn tothink and see the ice better. USA Hockey has many people to thank for the content in this book,starting with the true pioneer of small area games, Bill Beaney, head hockey coach atMiddlebury College. Many coaches have taken his blue prints of small area competitive gamesand helped provide the drill content for this handbook.

Small area competitive games not only force players into tight competitive quarters, they alsoencourage players to battle hard for the puck while at the same time having a great deal of fun.Similar to how kids used to play growing up and skating on frozen ponds, these games helpsimulate the past and place the same skills into today’s future stars.

Utilizing small area competitive games provides many other advantages. First and foremost, thegames are designed to provide an environment to help players in their ability to make quickdecisions. Small area games also simulate game shifts and provide an excellent form ofconditioning in practice.

There is a growing concern among ice hockey educators that, during hockey games versushockey practice, players do not have enough time to control the puck in order to develop crucialskills while skating such as passing, receiving, puck and body protection, shooting andstickhandling. Many programs are not following the USA Hockey practice guidelines of a 3-to-1or even a 2-to-1 practice to game ratio. There is also a concern with the quality of individual skillspossessed by North American players when compared to their European counterparts. FormerCanadian National Team and NHL coach George Kingston stated in a 1971 study that theaverage North American youth hockey player handled the puck less than one minute per game.According to Kingston, in Europe there are typically two to five practices for each game played.Kingston goes on to say that in order to get one hour of quality work in the practicing of basicskills of puck control, approximately 180 games would have to played, compared to a qualityone hour practice.

USA Hockey conducted a comprehensive puck possession study at the 2002 Olympic WinterGames and the 2002 Youth Tier I National Championships. Interestingly, the maximum averagetime any player possessed the puck in a single game – from the top professional players rightdown to the 12-and-Under level – was a minute and twelve seconds.

Through practice, puck possession time and overall skill development can take place at a farmore rapid rate than simply playing games. And by utilizing small area games in practice, you’llfind both skill development and fun taking place simultaneously.

Preface | v

USA HOCKEYPUCK POSSESSION STUDY

2002 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES 2002 YOUTH TIER I NATIONAL CHAMP.

vi | USA Hockey Small Area Competitive Games

Men’s Gold-Medal Game

60-Minute Game

•19:37 minutes of ice time

•25.6 shifts

•1:01.4 of puck possession time

•16.3 passes received

•19 passes attempted

•5.3 shots taken

•40.3 puck touches

Men’s Per Game Averages

60-Minute Game

•18:40.5 minutes of ice time

•23.65 shifts


•21 passes received

•23.05 passes attempted

•4.22 shots taken

Women’s Per Game Averages

60-Minute Game

•18:36.8 minutes of ice time

•26.27 shifts

•1:12 of puck possession time



•5.44 shots taken


12-and-Under

45-Minute Game


•21 shifts

•38.4 seconds of puck possession

time



•5.2 shots taken


14-and-Under

48-Minute Game


•19.4 shifts




•5.3 shots taken


16-, 18-and-Under

51-Minute Game


•18.9 shifts

•48.3 of puck possession time



•5.4 shots taken


The drills enclosed in this book are age specific. USA Hockey challenges all coaches to takethese drills and put their own spin on them. Coaches are encouraged to progress from thesedrills or create new ideas. Perhaps your 12-and-Under (Pee Wee) team is good enough to use a14-and-Under (Bantam) drill. As a coach, it is also your responsibility to look at your teamrealistically and not give the players a drill that is too advanced for them.

USA Hockey acknowledges that small area competitive games are an excellent option to helpcreate competition while improving a player’s skills in game-like situations. USA Hockey ispleased to provide this book along with the flexxCOACH CD to all great coaches who are outin the rinks everyday making a positive impact on youth hockey players.

Preface | vii

Preface | ix

Acknowledgments

The USA Hockey Coaching Education Program would like to thank the following coaches thathave donated their time and ideas to help make this book and the flexxCOACH CD possible.

Bill BeaneyJoe BertagnaKeith BlaseAl BloomerJoe BonnetMarc BoxerDan BrennanBill CorboNick DeMarcoCarey EadesMike EavesDan EsdaleAl GodfreyRoger GrilloAndrew HawthorneJon HynesJim JohnsonTroy JuttingAaron Kriss

Mike MacMillanKen MartelBob McCaigJack McLaughlinKevin McLaughlinBob O’ConnorDave PetersonAndy SlaggartBarry SmithMike SullivanBill SwitajMark TabrumDave TemkinRick TruppLou VairoMatt WalshRon WhitePaul WillettJack Witt

Small AreaCompetitive Games For

8-and-Under(Mite)

8-and-Under (Mite) | 3

it

it

Forward/Backward Team TagUsing one third of the ice, divide thearea in two with an ice pen. On oneside, players can only skate forwardwhile on the other side they mustskate backward. One player is “it”and begins the game by tagging theother players. If any player, including“it”, crosses the line to the otherside, they must skate forward orbackward depending on which sidethey are on. Once a player has beentagged, he/she must help tageveryone else.

NOTES/COMMENTSPlayers learn to pivot and

keep their heads up.

Freeze TagPlayers spread out across one thirdof the ice surface. Denote either acoach or a player as “it.” All otherplayers skate within the designatedarea avoiding the tag. If they gettagged, they are frozen until anotherplayer unfreezes them by taggingthem. The game is over when allplayers are frozen.

NOTES/COMMENTSDesigned for skating

and teamwork.

4 | USA Hockey Small Area Competitive Games

R

R

C C

C

C

C

Musical PucksUsing one or two circles (dependingon the number of players) playersline up without sticks around thecircle. Players skate clockwisearound the circle staying on the lineas they crossover. If there are fiveplayers place four pucks in themiddle. On the coach’s signal,players dive in the middle to get apuck. If they don’t get one they areeliminated. Reduce the number ofpucks each round. The game is overwhen only one player is left.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches players to crossover

with their heads up.

Cops and RobbersUsing one third of the ice, place oneplayer in each circle. The rest of theplayers begin in the middle. The two“Robbers” try to get from one circleto the next without being tagged bythe “Cops”. If the “Robber” getstagged, he/she trades places withthe “Cop” that tagged him/her.

NOTES/COMMENTSEncourages players to changedirection, skate both ways and keep their heads up.


S

SS

S

S

S

S

S

Safe Zone

Safe Zone Torpedo AlleyUsing one end, players line up alongthe boards. The coach lines theplayers’ sticks in two rows acrossthe center of the zone. Oncommand, players skate from boardto board. Using tennis or whiffleballs the coaches try to hit the kidsas they skate across the ice. Playersare safe once they pass the face-offdot. This gives them plenty of timeto stop before the boards so theyare not sliding. Once a player is hit,they are out and must come out tothe blue line. The game is overwhen every player has been hit.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches players agility, stopping, jumping and

skating with their heads up.

Red Light, Green Light,Yellow Light, Blue LightUsing one third of the rink, allplayers start against the boards. Thecoach starts out between the face-off circles. The coach commandsare:

Green Light – skate forward

Red Light – stop

Yellow Light – fall down on theirstomachs and get up quickly

Blue Light – yell “hockey” ortheir team name.

A new game starts when all theplayers have made it to the otherside.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches stopping and agility while having fun.


Safe Zone

Safe Zone

Safe Zone

Safe ZoneSharks and MinnowsThe Minnows line up across theboards with pucks, while the Sharkbegins in the middle. Minnows skatefrom dot to dot with their puck. Ifthe Shark takes or knocks the puckfrom their stick, they too becomeSharks and help check theremaining Minnows. The Minnowsare safe from the dots to the boardsas shown.The game is over whenevery player has their puck knockedoff of their stick.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches puck handling

under pressure.

Dodge BallPlayers begin lined up against theboards. Players skate back and forth(dot to dot) while the coach or otherdesignated players try to hit themwith soft sponge soccer balls.Players are safe once they reach theface-off dot. This gives them plentyof time to stop before the boards sothey are not sliding. Once a player ishit, they are out and must come outto the blue line. The game is overwhen every player has been hit.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches players agility, stopping, jumping and

skating with their heads up.


Earth

Three-Player Chariot RacePlayers line up on the side boards ingroups of three. Using two sticks,the two front players create achariot for the remaining player inback. The player at the back holdsboth sticks and glides behind thefront players who are each carryingone of the sticks and skating full out.When they get to the far side face-off dot the race is over. The playersrotate and race again until eachplayer has been in all threepositions.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun relay race that encourages

teamwork and improves players’ balance.

Star WarsAll players begin in the same face-off circle (Earth). Three cones areplaced on the opposite side with ablue puck atop each cone. Coachesplace a glove on their stick whichserves as their “light-saber.” To saveplanet Earth, players must retrievethe blue pucks and return to Earth,which is their safe-zone, before theyare tagged with the coaches “light-saber.” The game should last nomore than one minute so the kidsmust leave the circle to skate. Oncea player is tagged, he/she is out andmust come out to the blue line afterreturning the puck to the cone. Thegame is over when all pucks areretrieved, the coaches tag all of theplayers or time runs out.

NOTES/COMMENTSBe creative. Call yourself

Darth Vader or Darth Maul andlet the players be Jedi Knights.


Chaos DrillDivide the players into two groups.Players begin the drill in a face-offcircle, each with a puck. The playerscan skate in any direction, keepingtheir heads up and staying inside thecircle. After a few minutes, place allthe players in one circle and repeatthe drill.

NOTES/COMMENTSCoaches emphasize to the players the importance of

quick skating and puckhandlingin a confined area.

1

3

2


Stick Jump/Crossover DrillPlayers spread out and place theirsticks on the ice in front of them.On the coach’s command, playerstwo-foot jump over the stick backand forth. After awhile, have playersjump forward from the bottom ofthe stick side to side, to the top andthen backward jump side to sidedown to the bottom of the stick.

Next, line the sticks up around thecircle and have the players skatearound the circle doing crossoversand jumping over the sticks at thesame time. Change direction after30 seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSImproves crossovers and teaches players to skate with their heads up.

Stick Jump Agility DrillPlayers line up behind one of theface-off dots. Place all of the players’sticks out in front of them. At theend of the sticks, two cones are setup with a stick across them. Theplayers jump over the sticks,alternating feet, then dive under thestick placed on the cones. Aftereach player has gone through thedrill twice, tip the cones on theirside and have players try to gounder again or jump over thelowered stick.

NOTES/COMMENTSImproves agility and

promotes fun.


My Drill:

NOTES/COMMENTS

My Drill:

NOTES/COMMENTS


10-and-Under(Squirt)

10-and-Under (Squirt) | 15

Safehouse DrillDivide the players into two teamswith the coach in the middle. Oneplayer from each team is placed inopposing corners. These players aresafe and can handle the puckwithout being checked. The coachcalls out 1-on-1 or 2-on-2, etc. Theplayers must pass to their cornerteammate first, then receive a passback to be able to play offense andscore.

NOTES/COMMENTSWorks on transition offense.

3-on-2 Transition GameSelect two players from each teamand place them in the zone. Selectanother player from each team andput them on the side boards nearthe hash marks on the face-off circle.The players pass to their teammateon the boards and he/she nowenters the play 3-on-2. If theopposing players gain possession ofthe puck, they pass to the sideboards and the player on the otherteam must go back to the boards.The opposite team now plays 3-on-2.

NOTES/COMMENTSWorks on transition offense and defense.


2 Corner DrillSet a net up in both corners. Sealingoff the corner, the net is placedfacing the glass. Two teams areselected and they play a 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 in the corner. The other playerswho are not in the drill surround thearea and continue to throw thepuck back in the confined area.Change players after 30 seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops puck protection andpuck skills in a confined area.

Coach’s Quarterback DrillDivide the players into two teams.The coach shoots the puck in thecorner and calls out 2-on-2 or 3-on-3. The coach can also call outtwo blues, one red to force a 2-on-1.Whatever the coach calls out, theplayers in line react to it. To changepossession and score, the defensiveteam must create a turnover, pick-upthe puck, pass it to the coach whothen passes it back. Now thedefensive team is on offense. Bothteams are trying to score on thesame net. Change players after 30seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops transition, 1-on-1 playand creating 2-on-1 situations.


Multi-Puck GameThe coach stands in the middle oftwo teams. The coach chooses 3-on-3, 2-on-2, etc. Players start playon the coach’s puck declaration andreact to the play. The coach candeclare:

Black Puck and the players canscore on the opponent’s net.

Red Puck they can score oneither net.

Blue Puck they can only scoreon one net that is designatedbefore the game starts.

NOTES/COMMENTSImproves anticipation.

Back-to-Back Net ScrimmagePlace the nets together back-to-back. Divide the players into twoteams. Teams play 1-on-1, 2-on-2, 3-on-3, etc., trying to score on theopposite net. Use 20-second shiftsand play to 10. Make it competitive.

NOTES/COMMENTSIncreases anticipation

at all positions.


Center Line BoundaryScrimmageUsing one third of the ice, the coachdivides the players into two teams.Players are designated as forwardsand defensemen and cannot crossthe center line. This line can bemarked on the side with cones. Startthe game with two defensemen andfour forwards. Alternate players andallow them to play both positions.Start the game with a 2-on-1 at eachend. The defense, after a turn over,passes the puck to the forwards atthe other end creating a continuous2 on 1. Progress using more playersand build the game into a 2-on-2,and eventually a 3-on-2.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops transitionplay and passing.

Coach’s CallUsing one third of the ice, the coachplaces two nets near the boards asshown. The players can play 3-on-3,4-on-4 or even 5-on-5. The coachcalls out the signals and the rules ofthe game as they change. Forexample: the coach will declare thatonly backhand passes and backhandshots are allowed. After awhile, thecoach can declare only flip passesand wrist shots. The next time hemight declare only backwardskating. Be creative and challengeyour players.

NOTES/COMMENTSPromotes fun and skills in practice.


On the Dot 3-on-2 and 4-on-3Place a net in each corner. A playerfrom each team is placed on theface off dots. The player on the dotcannot move but can pass to ateammate or shoot. Each team hastwo other players in the game tocreate a 3-on-2, progress to acontinuous 4-on-3 by addinganother player to each team.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops quick transition with odd-man chances.

Tight Circle GameUsing two nets in one face-off circle,have the players surround the netsstaying on the circle lines. Thecoach then calls out the players andthey play 1-on-1 or 2-on-1, etc. Theplayers on the outside keep theloose pucks in play. After awhile letplayers score on either net. Becreative.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops quick passing

and anticipation.


QB

S

2-on-2 SupportSingle SupportOne player is placed in the middleof the rink. This player is known asthe support player. Playing 2-on-2,the team with the puck must pass tothe support player to go on offense.As a variation, tell the players theycan shoot on any goal afterreceiving the pass from the supportplayer.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops give-and-go skills.

All-Time Quarterback DrillDesignate one player to be thequarterback for the entire game.The quarterback plays for whicheverteam has the puck. To score a goalafter a turnover, the team must firstpass to the quarterback, whoreturns the pass, signifying thechange of offense to defense andvice versa. The quarterback can alsoshoot and score.

NOTES/COMMENTSCreates quick transition anddevelops anticipation skills.


My Drill:

NOTES/COMMENTS

My Drill:

NOTES/COMMENTS


12-and-Under(Pee Wee)

12-and-Under (Pee Wee) | 25

Crossover Relay RaceDesignate two teams. On thewhistle, a player from each teamskates using crossovers around thecircle one complete time and racefor the open puck. The first player tothe puck tries to score. The otherplayer back checks, trying toprevent a score. Whichever teamscores five times first wins. A newpuck is placed in the middle eachtime.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops crossoversat a high tempo.

Rebound GamePlace five or more players aroundthe net and crease area and oneplayer at the top (between the hashmarks and the top of the circles).The player at the top is the shooter.The shooter tries to score while theothers try to score on the rebound,if any. The game is played to 10. Ifthe goalie covers the puck or thepuck goes wide and past the goalline, the goalie gets a point. Eachtime the goalie earns a point, theplayers rotate around the creasearea.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun way to end practice at one or both ends.


1-on-1 Sweep The PorchPlace a handful of pucks in front ofthe net. The defenseman turnshis/her stick over so the butt end ison the ice. The forward tries toshoot the pucks into the net one ata time while the defenseman tries tostop him. The game ends when allthe pucks have been used.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops solid 1-on-1 play.

Decision MakerPlaying 3-on-3 at one end, the coachis responsible for constantlychanging the game. The first gamerequires that teams must completetwo passes before shooting. In thenext game, teams can only makebackhand passes and backhandshots. The third game requires thatteams can only make indirect off theboards passes, etc. Be creative withthe game requirements. Alsoalternate the number of players.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops quick thinking

anticipation skills.


BaseballUsing three cones and the hash marks at one end, set up abaseball diamond. Divide the players into two teams. The battertakes the puck and shoots it down to the far end. The spread outoutfielders have to make three passes and shoot into the open netbefore the hitter rounds all the bases and passes over the homeplate hash marks for an out. Change sides after three outs.

NOTES/COMMENTSCreates fun and teamwork.

Cross-Ice Board ScrimmageUsing the neutral zone, divide theplayers into two teams of 3, 4 or 5.The boards between the blue linesare the goals. The players mustcomplete three passes beforescoring. The only way to score is tohave the blade of the stick holdingthe puck against the boards. Playerscannot shoot.

NOTES/COMMENTSGood option while players are doing other drills on each end of the ice.


Offense

Offense

Defense

Defense

Rover

Rover

Rover Transition GameEach team starts out with onedesignated defensive and offensiveplayer who must remain on theirrespective side of the center line.(Use cones to mark the center line.)The third player on each team is arover who can play on either side ofthe center line. The game is acontinuous 2-on-2. Create avariation by taking out one roverand creating a 2-on-1 allowing theremaining rover to play on offensefor both teams.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops quick transition

and thinking skills.

Odd/Even GameStart the drill as a 1-on-1. Then add aplayer to make it a 2-on-1. Continueadding one player at a time,alternately giving each team theplayer advantage. Continue the drilluntil you have reached 5-on-5.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops vision when passing.


2-on-1 Corner DrillUsing both corners play a 2-on-1.The players not actively in the gamesurround the nets and keep thepuck in play. The coach dumps anew puck in when the original puckis either shot in the net or goes outof play. The forwards try to score asmany times as they can in the timeallowed while the defenseman triesto stop them. Change every 30-40seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops close, quick passing.

2-on-2/3-on-3 Corner GamePlace the nets in the corner face-offarea. Players play 2-on-2 and/or 3-on-3. Players not actively in thegame surround the nets and keepthe puck in play. Keep the shifts 30 -40 seconds just like in a real game.After a while change the rules andallow both teams to score on eithernet.

NOTES/COMMENTSCreates quick thinking

and quick plays.


Between the Circles 3-on-2Place the net in its regular creasearea. Place three offensive playersbetween the circles and twodefensemen. The offensive playerstry to score with quick puckmovement while the defenders tryto stop them. After a goal or a puckclearing a new puck is passed in bythe coach to the offensive players.Change players after five pucks havebeen used.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops close, quick passing.

4 Corner Support DrillPlace two players from each team,one at the blue line and one in theopposite corner. Start the gameplaying 2-on-2. Players must pass toone support player before they cango on offense. After awhile play 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. Change the playersevery 30-40 seconds. The playerscan pass to either support player atany time. As a variation, let theplayers pass to any support playerand get it back.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops passing lanes and quick thinking.


1-on-1 Empty Net GamePlace four cones on the ice. Fourforwards line up across the blue linewith a puck. 10 feet away and facingthem are four defensemen. Theobject is to get to the cones beforeyou can shoot on the empty netwhile being defended. The first puckin the net gets the point. The gameis over when a forward scores threepoints. Everyone changes positionsafter three goals so they each workon both offensive and defensiveplay.

NOTES/COMMENTSA fun way to teach 1-on-1 play.

High/Low 2-on-2 Tip-InsDivide the players into two teamsand place one player per team atthe blue line. Using two nets, playersplay a 2-on-2 in front. When the topplayer has the puck, they wait for ateammate to get in front for a tip-in.Goals only count if they are tipped-in. After each goal, the team thatscores keeps possession of thepuck. Players hustle from side toside playing offense or defensedepending which point player hasthe puck. Change every 40 seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches deflections

under game conditions.


Breakaway Relay GamePlace two nets in the neutral zone. Two teams are divided up and placed onthe boards. The first player in line goes on the whistle. The second playercan’t go until the first player scores and skates back past the front of the line.After saves, goalies can shoot the puck anywhere they want. The game endswhen one team’s players have all scored. The losing team does three lapsaround the nets.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops scoringintensity around

the net.

Breakaway Build-Up RelayPlace two nets in the neutral zone. Two teams are divided up and placed onthe boards. The first player in line goes on the whistle. He/She must go untilhe/she scores. After the player gets back to the line two players go, whenthey score, three players go. After three players have scored, start back withone player. The game ends when one team uses up all its players and hasscored. The losing team does three laps around the nets.

NOTES/COMMENTSA competitive andfun drill to end practice with.


RB

2-on-1 Transition GameSet up a 2-on-1 at both ends. Thedefending player must try to get thepuck to the other side while the twoforwards are trying to score. Theplayers must stay on their own endand can’t get involved with the playuntil the defender on the other sidepasses the puck to them. Continuethe drill for 30-40 seconds thenchange.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun drill that teaches transition

and puck movement.

Red Baron GameUse five players to start the game —two players on each team and aplayer who is designated as the RedBaron. The Red Baron is always onoffense and can skate anywhere andscore for the team that haspossession of the puck. This createsa continuous 3-on-2. Createvariations of the game by makingthe Red Baron stationary andrequiring the puck be passed tohim/her after transition before theother team can go on offense. Thethird variation allows the Red Baronto move laterally across the blue lineand requiring the puck be passed tohim/her after transition before theother team can go on offense.

NOTES/COMMENTSImproves transition awareness.


My Drill:

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My Drill:

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14-, 16-, 18-and-Under(Bantam/Midget)

14-, 16-, 18-and-Under (Bantam/Midget) | 39

4-on-2/4-on-3 Special TeamsDivide the players into two teamswith a coach monitoring each side.On one side, the players play 4-on-2 and on the other side theyplay 4-on-3. Players move the puckaround and try to score while thedefending players check them. Theremaining players are out of the waybut ready to go in on the nextchange. Change both sides everyminute. If the puck goes out of play,dump a new one in immediatelyand continue playing until the nextchange.

NOTES/COMMENTSEncourages close,

quick puck movement.

Sideline GameStart the game by dividing theplayers into two teams. Players lineup along both sides of the neutralzone. The coach calls out 1-on-1, 2-on-2 or 3-on-3, and that number ofplayers begin play. The other playersremain active with their sticks onthe ice and are part of the game.The players in the middle can passto them, and they can shoot, pass itback or even pass down the line totheir teammates. Everybody iseligible to score. Change it up every30-40 seconds. If the puck goes outof play, the coach dumps a new onein immediately and the playcontinues until the next change.

NOTES/COMMENTSMake the game competitive byplaying to 3. The losing team does laps around the nets.


3-on-3 Support DrillPlace players on the ice in a 3-on-3.One player from each team muststay on the defensive side of the redline. The play becomes 2-on-3 in theoffensive zone after transition. Thegame is played both ways with aconstant 2-on-3 developingwherever the puck is. The playersdetermine which of them is the oneto stay back and play defense whilethe other two go into the offensivezone for a scoring chance.

NOTES/COMMENTS2-on-3 forces players to battlethrough checks to score. Play in situations where you do nothave a numerical advantage.

5-on-3 Player in the MiddleSet up four cones in a diamondformation. Three defensive playersstart in the middle and five offensiveplayers surround the cones. Theobject is to move the puck aroundpassing through the coned-off areasand through the defenders to ateammate. Change the game upusing only on-ice passes and thenonly flip or saucer passes. Afterthree pucks have been cleared (oneat a time) change it up.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops heads-up passing and

passing through seams.


2-on-2 Behind the NetRover GamePlayers play 2-on-2 and battle for thepuck in front of the net. A separateplayer behind the net known as the“Rover” can skate to either side toset up the offensive team. The teamthat passes the puck to the Rover ison offense. If the other team gainscontrol of the puck, they must passthe puck to the Rover and they arenow on offense.

NOTES/COMMENTSCreates fast transitions.

Mid-Zone 3-on-3/4-on-4Set up two teams playing either 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 in the neutral zone.Place one support player from eachteam in opposite corners behind thenet. The players must pass to thesupport player behind the net fromtheir team before they can score.Change it up every 30-40 seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSPlayers must pass the puck and move to get open as the drill quickly becomes an odd-man advantage.


4-on-3/5-on-4 ActivateSpecial Teams GamePlace one stationary playerfrom each team outside theblue line on each face-off dot.The game starts out 3-on-3 or4-on-4. The team with thepuck comes out of their end,passes to their stationaryplayer, re-groups and it nowbecomes a 4-on-3 or 5-on-4.After a turnover, the stationaryplayer must return to the face-off dot outside the blue line,allowing the other team toutilize their stationary playerfor their own 4-on-3 or 5-on-4.

NOTES/COMMENTSDesigned to enhance

special team transition andattacking the zone.

3-on-2 Activate GamePlace one stationary playerfrom each team at the top ofthe face-off circle. The gamestarts out 2-on-2. The teamwith the puck passes to theirstationary player who thenenters the game, making it a 3-on-2. After a turnover thestationary player must returnto the top of the circle,allowing the other team toutilize their stationary playerfor their own 3-on-2.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops heads-up plays.


Progressive 4-on-4Divide the players into two teamsusing different colored uniforms.The game begins as a 1-on-1. Every10 seconds a new player enters thegame creating a 2-on-1 then 2-on-2,etc. until you get to 4-on-4. Onceyou reach 4-on-4, remove a playerevery 10 seconds until you’re backto a 1-on-1. Change teams and goagain.

NOTES/COMMENTSHeads up progressionidentification drill.

4-on-2 Behind the NetPlace two stationary players fromeach team behind opposite nets.The game starts 2-on-2. The playerwith the puck passes to eitherteammate behind the opposing netwhere they can pass to anyone ontheir team creating a 4-on-2. Afterone pass is made to a teammatebehind the net the offensive teamcan then score. Change it up every30-40 seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSSpecial teams transition drill.


Breakout Forecheck 3-on-2Divide the players into two teams.The game starts out with eightplayers 2-on-2 at both ends. Thecoach dumps the puck in and thedefensive team gets it. They turn tooffense and make one pass. Theplayer who receives the pass canthen skate it out or pass to the otherside and follow the play creating a3-on-2. Teams can only go onoffense when they have created aturnover and made one successfulpass in their own end.

NOTES/COMMENTSQuick transition

defense to offense.

Mid-Ice 4-on-3 BreakoutPlace a stationary player from each team behind their net. The game starts 3-on-3. The player with the puck passes to their teammate behind the net andthen breaks out. The player with the puck can pass, skate or shoot the puckbut cannot cross the red line. A quick 4-on-3 develops and the team with thepuck plays it out until they score or the puck is turned over. After the play isover the other team repeats the drill going the other direction. Change afterevery two breakouts.

NOTES/COMMENTSQuick transitionbreakout drill.


RINK 2 RINK 3RINK 1

D

R RB

Town CarnivalDivide the rink into three zones. Depending on your numbers the games mayneed to be altered. (This is based on 15 players, two goalies and a shootertutor).

Rink #1: 3-on-2 cross-ice breakout drill. One player is designated as thebreakout defenseman. This player is rotated every two breakouts, onefrom behind each net so both teams play a 3-on-2. After breaking out,use a shooter tutor to shoot on.

Rink #2: Cross-ice board scrimmage. The players staying inside the two bluelines play 2-on-2 with a Rover. They must complete two passes to thedesignated Rover before they can score. (The Rover plays forwhichever team is on offense). The only way to score is to press thepuck against the boards with the blade of your stick, shooting is notallowed.

Rink #3: Play the Red Baron game (p. 33) with one player always on offensecreating a continuous 3-on-2.

Rotate players through stations every 5-7 minutes.

NOTES/COMMENTSDrill variation to

improve quick thinking.


4-on-4 Support DrillSet the nets up in the neutral zoneback to back. One support playerfrom each team is placed off to theside of both nets. The teams play 2-on-2 in the middle but must pass toa support player before being ableto score. The support player canalso shoot. Players can score oneither net.

NOTES/COMMENTSHeads-up scoring drill.

Full-Ice Team Zone ScrimmageSet players up depending on how many are at practice. Play 3-on-3 in all three zones on the ice using theblue lines as dividers. The object is to score but the players cannot leave the zone they are playing in.Using three pucks and keeping score, the players in the defensive zone try tomove the puck to the players in the neutral zone who then try to move thepuck up to their teammates in the offensive zone. Only players in theoffensive zone can score. Switch zones every 3-5 minutes.

NOTES/COMMENTSPromotes teamwork in all three zones.


2-on-1 RelaySet the nets up in both corners inone zone. Divide the players intotwo teams. They play 2-on-1 untilthey score. After scoring, allplayers race back into line andthe next players go. Thedefensive player can check butonly he/she is allowed to pushthe puck behind the net to killtime.

NOTES/COMMENTSGreat way to startor end practice.

1-on-1 Survivor DrillPlace the nets on the two bluelines. Players try to score on theiropponents’ net while playing a 1-on-1. Players cannot return totheir line until someone hasscored. Three 1-on-1s are beingplayed at the same time. Once agoal is scored another puck isshot to the far boards and twonew players enter the drill.

NOTES/COMMENTSHeads-up goalie and shooter drill.


Ten Puck RelaySet up ten pucks on each blue line. Play 3-on-0 or 2-on-0depending on how many players you have. After scoring thenext players in line can’t go until the first two players skatehard back and pass the blue line. The winning team isidentified after they have shot the last puck in the net andskated back crossing their blue line.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun way to end or bringcompetition to practice.


My Drill:

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My Drill:

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Goaltenders

Goaltenders | 53

Board Bank ShotsSet up a net in both corners on anangle beside the boards. The playershoots off the boards at the net.After multiple shots turn the net toface the other way and shoot again.Make sure the goaltender has timeto get set before the shot is taken.This drill simulates deflections. It isnot a rapid fire drill.

NOTES/COMMENTSHelps goalies’ reaction

time to tip-ins.

Three Pass to Slot ShotPlace three players in the slot. Oneplayer has the pucks behind the netand can pass to any one of the threeplayers for the shot. The goalie mustlook behind the net and then decidewhich player to stop after the pass.The player allows the goalie timeafter every shot to get set just likegame conditions. There is no rapidfire.

NOTES/COMMENTSHelps goalies read and react tothe puck from behind the net.


Stick Tap and SpinThe goalie begins the drill withhis/her back to the shooter. Whenthe shooter taps their stick on theice, the goalie spins around to facethe shot. Give the goalie time to getset before the next shot. Repeat thedrill from different angles.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops agility and anticipation.

Three Puck Poke CheckSet up a garden or old fire hose inthe slot in a semi-circle. The goaliemust dive out and poke the pucksover the hose. After each poke thegoalie must return to the crease, getset and do the drill again. Set threepucks up in different angles. Changegoalies after three poke checks.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops agility and anticipation.

Goaltenders | 55

Beehive GameFive players with pucks arepositioned inside the face-off circleskating quickly in any direction. Onthe coach’s command a player’sname or number is called. Thatplayer skates out of the circle andgoes in for the shot or deke. Aftershooting, that player picks upanother puck and returns to thecircle. The coach must wait until thegoalie is set and ready before callingout the next player. Once all fiveplayers have gone change circles.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches goalies to read

and react in traffic.

Back-to-Back 1-on-1Set the nets up back-to-back. Thegoalies battle for the loose puck andtry to score on the other goalies net.Play to three with the loser havingto pick up all the pucks afterpractice.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun game for the goalies

to handle the puck.


Behind the Net Puck StopThe coach lines up on the sideboards inside the blue line. Usingtwo goalies they take turns goingbehind the net to stop the puck. Thecoach or player rims the puckaround the boards, first with lowshots then with high ones. Thegoalie who lets five pucks pass firstloses the game. Change sides andplay again. Give the goalie time totrap the puck and set it up like agame situation for a defensemanbefore the next goalie’s turn. This isnot a race.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches goalies

anticipation and trapping.

Around the World ShootersPlace two pucks in five differentspots in the slot. The goalie movesside-to-side while two players – oneon each side – take turns shootingfrom each position. The playersmust wait until the goalie is set toface the puck.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun read and react angle drill.

Goaltenders | 57

Coach Tip-In GameSet three players up in front of thenet. The coach or another playerthen shoots from the high slot or theblue line while the players all try totip the puck. After the shot therebound is live and all three playerscan score.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops vision in traffic.

Wrap-Around Beehive GamePlace five players behind the netskating from the goal line to theboards in any direction. The coachpoints to a player and that playertries to score on a wrap-around fromeither side. After shooting, thatplayer grabs a puck and returns tothe mix. The same player can beused at any time.

NOTES/COMMENTSSolid drill to anticipate

wrap-arounds.


3-on-3 Reverse Net Turn the nets around facing theboards on both sides. The gameis played 3-on-3 and both teamscan score on either net. Thegame starts with the coachdumping the puck to the boardsand the players battle for it.Change the skaters up every 30-40 seconds.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops vision

and quick passing.

Two Nets – Two ShotsSet two nets close together withtwo shooters, one in front ofeach net. The goalie faces thefirst shooter and then quicklyskates to the other net to facethe next shooter. Repeat the drilland then change the goalie. Thiscan be done with more goaliesby bringing four nets onto theice.

NOTES/COMMENTSDevelops movement and skating skills.

Goaltenders | 59

Goaltender TennisLine up two nets facing the boards.Two coaches with tennis balls areplaced behind the nets. The coachestake turns throwing the tennis ballsoff the boards or glass. If a tennisball beats the goalie the other goaliegets a point. You can play to five orten or even use the tennis scoringsystem and play a three game set.

NOTES/COMMENTSFun way to develop agility

and anticipation.

Rebound Goal GameAdd another net to the left of theone already in place. Using oneshooter in the slot, the object for thegoalie is to direct the shots into theopen net off to the side. Using twogoalies let them compete byreceiving one goal every time theydeflect a puck into the open net.The goalies rotate after each shot.When the game is over move thenet to the right side and play again.

NOTES/COMMENTSTeaches rebound control.


My Drill:

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My Drill:

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Goaltenders | 61

My Drill:

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My Drill:

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My Drill:

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My Drill:

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